First-Past-the-Post produces distorted election results with more than two parties. We need to modernize our voting system. Either Proportional Representation (true voting) or Ranked Ballot Voting will work. Which do you prefer?

Monday, March 31, 2014

MythBuster: neo-Nazis will rise to power if we use Proportional Representation

This is a variation on the fringe-party-explosion fallacy.
It’s based on the idea that if we have a low 3% threshold — the vote required before a party can get federal seats —
fringe parties, that don’t even come close to breaking 1%, will suddenly fill up the legislature.

So if you believe that nonsense, why not proclaim this means a fringe party is certain to win 50% of the vote and rise to absolute power?

1933 German election

To debunk this silliness, let’s use the 1933 German election as an example.

Hitler came to power on 43% of the vote using “scary PR.”
Of course, he was still the leader of a minority party and had to form a coalition to form the government.

If Germany had used
First-Past-the-Post,
however, Hitler would’ve won a landslide majority and gotten absolute corrupt power directly.

Then the papers would’ve had ridiculous headlines like they do in Canada after an election: “Hitler was given a resounding
mandate by voters!” — like Mulroney with free trade in 1988 on 43% of the vote.

Conclusion

PR
puts an end to minority party dictatorships. It doesn’t create them. It ensures an actual majority of voters is represented in government.

About Me

As a non-partisan electoral reformer, I support both of the main democratic voting systems: Proportional Representation (true voting) and Ranked Ballot Voting. Either system will ensure an actual majority is represented in government and the real will of the people is carried out. It's up to Canadians to decide which system is best. Together we can make it happen.